Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, has sharply criticized Western non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for what she describes as hypocrisy regarding the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France. Zakharova pointed out that the same NGOs that vocally condemned Russia’s attempts to block Telegram in 2018 have remained conspicuously silent after Durov’s detention.
In a recent post on Telegram, Zakharova recalled how in 2018, a coalition of 26 NGOs—including prominent organizations like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Freedom House, Reporters Without Borders, and the Committee to Protect Journalists—strongly opposed Russia’s efforts to shut down Telegram. These NGOs had appealed to international bodies such as the UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, the European Union, and various governments, urging them to stand against Russia’s actions and defend fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and privacy.
The NGOs argued that Russian authorities should ensure internet users’ rights to freely and anonymously publish and access information online, stressing that any restrictions must be judicially sanctioned and adhere to the European Convention on Human Rights.
Despite the international pressure, Telegram continued to operate, and Durov remained free, further developing the platform. Now, however, Zakharova questions whether these NGOs will advocate for Durov’s release from French custody or if they will choose to remain silent.
The arrest of Durov has sparked anger among Russian officials, who see it as a double standard in the West’s approach to freedom of expression. Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and current deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, criticized Durov’s decision to leave Russia, suggesting that Durov mistakenly believed he could avoid entanglements with foreign security services. Medvedev stated, “He misjudged the situation. To all our adversaries, he remains Russian—therefore, unpredictable and a threat.”
The Russian Embassy in Paris has requested access to Durov, criticizing French authorities for their lack of cooperation in the matter.
Telegram, known for its strong encryption, has played a significant role in the flow of information—and misinformation—about Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Its popularity among extremists and conspiracy theorists has also led to concerns over the platform’s potential misuse, adding another layer of complexity to Durov’s arrest and the international response it has provoked.
